Welcome to His Way Out Ministries

December 2005 Highlights

The Idolatry of Homosexuality By Pastor Phillip Lee

In Matthew 19:4-5, Jesus replies to the Pharisees who had come to test him, "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator made them 'male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?"

This is the only approved sexual union in the Bible. Sexual intimacy as an expression of genuine romantic love is only to be known and shared in the heterosexual union of a husband and wife. There is no scriptural allowance for any form or to any degree of homosexual union. Clearly, the Bible identifies homosexuality along with fornication, adultery, rape, incest, prostitution, bestiality, looking on another's nakedness and lust as sinful and God's people are commanded to abstain from them. God never intended the human body for the immorality of homosexuality. No matter how pleasurable or fulfilling homosexuality may be to some, it is a gross perversion of God's physical design for sexual union.

In practice, idolatry is the reliance upon something or someone other than God in times of trouble or peace, pain or pleasure. At the very core of idolatry is the surrender and cherishing of someone or something over the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, once again, I will submit that the practice of homosexuality is ultimately not about same-gender attraction or practice but an unwillingness to surrender to the Lordship of Christ and the Authority of Scripture. Ultimately, idolatry makes the statement that God is unworthy as sovereign, provider, redeemer and king.

For many men and women that have had a struggle with same-gender attraction (myself included), the idolatry of homosexuality is often rooted in reacting to pain in an ungodly manner due to a divorce in the family, abuse by peers or possibly the death of a loved one. Whatever the contributing factor or source, the pain that one suffers is intense, often unrelenting, and it does not go away by itself. Plainly said when anyone experiences a deep emotional need, whether real or perceived, many individuals will pursue someone or something, often other than God, in order to get that need met.

Over time, when a man or woman habitually practices homosexuality, the homosexual activity itself becomes an idol. Fantasy, pornography, "the pursuit/hunt" of sexual contact with another produces powerful sensual pleasures that offer the illusion of safety, affirmation, release or, the big one...love. In many respects, the avalanche and myriad of emotions produced by the idolatry of homosexuality becomes a narcotic, a fix, which the person seeks to repeat time and time again in times of trouble, pain and loneliness.

The more a person practices homosexuality (or any behavior contrary to God's will and purpose for their life), the stronger the idolatry becomes. Ultimately, what results is a misguided and empty attempt to justify perversity. And, that is why any voice (any voice) that challenges the pursuit of homosexual activity will be the "bad guys."

Eventually and inevitably, the person who worships an idol will become like it: cold (without natural affection), false, and void of any true spiritual power. Also, those who teach and promote homosexuality as good and God-approved are likewise deceived, peddling false doctrine and rebellion. When God does give a person over to the insatiable cravings of the flesh, He is in a sense giving the idolatrous person what their hardened heart desires - life without God's rules and holy boundary lines for living. Tragically, the "freedom" that many believe to be heaven sent is nothing more than bondage.

Over the years, I have both met and talked with men and women that have sadly viewed themselves as being exempt from having to war against the spirit and the flesh, particularly when it comes to an issue of same-gender attraction. The statement, "See, when I finally gave up and went with my same-sex feelings, emotions, attractions, desires, etc., I felt at peace." Obviously, the false belief is that "an absence of struggle means I have chosen correctly."

The only sensible response to the idolatry of homosexuality is repentance. There is complete forgiveness and restoration for anyone who puts away idols and returns to God (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Forsaking the idol of homosexuality is necessary and then turning and seeking the Father who is gracious to restore. God is the only source for the abundant life and true freedom, filling a person with true joy as no idol ever possibly could.

From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries...
To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings, and prayers...we remain truly grateful. His Way Out Ministries is proclaiming to, educating, and impacting the world with the biblical truth that freedom from homosexuality is possible when Jesus Christ is Lord of your life.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Prayerfully Yours,

Pastor Phillip Lee

Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

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New "Time Out" Discipleship Series For Men Begins January14, 2006

If you are sure you are a born-again member of the Body of Christ, you can be equally sure that you have one or more spiritual gifts. Since His Way Out Ministries remains dedicated to the discipleship of believers in all areas of their journey with Christ, on January 14, 2006, we will begin a new teaching series designed to help you discover and define the spiritual gift(s) that God Himself has given you.

Time Out meets faithfully on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am and is available to men struggling with same-gender attraction. During each Time Out meeting, ample time will be given for participants to share life's struggles and victories. At Time Out, a primary goal is to help men discover the loving, powerful presence of God who is there on behalf of their struggle. There is no charge for the new series beginning January 14th and teaching materials will be provided. The only requirement for attendance is a desire to be free, live free, and remain free from same-gender attraction. For more information regarding Time Out, please contact the HWOM office at (661) 589-4262 or email us at His Way Out Ministries

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Reflection By Pastor Phillip Lee

A few years ago and just about three weeks before Christmas, I decided to sit down one afternoon and address Christmas cards. What initially seemed to be a pleasurable and relatively simple task quickly evolved into a sad, heartbreaking lesson in reality.

If you are like me, I often go for long periods of time without ever taking stock of the contents of my address book. And, if you are really like me your address book is full of notes, profound comments (yeah, right!) and names that have been both penciled and inked in, arrows drawn to connect various pieces of information and generally an entire smorgasbord of "stuff" reflecting numerous years of life's special moments, dates and especially, people.

I was totally unprepared for the blatant realization that I would find upon opening the pages of my address book. I opened to the "A's, B's, C's," thumbing all the way through to "Z," only to have each alphabetical section bring a wave of emotion. You see, each page of every section reflected at least one and often two names that are no longer with us. Each having died of AIDS. I sat there half stunned and began to ponder the many talks that I have had with fellow Christians about the reality that is presently among us and the reality of what I believe is to come. I have absolutely no desire to sound like a prophet of doom, but there are some hard truths that must be stated.

Because of my travels to churches, conferences, workshops, etc., I come in contact with numerous Christians from all denominations. I am continually alarmed by the number of Christians that have been and remain sexually active in ways that place them at great risk of contacting the HIV virus which causes AIDS. Often, I come away from the conversations wondering, "What's the difference between the Church and the world?" when it comes to sexual involvement. Knowing that the incubation period for the HIV virus can be as long as fifteen years, I am greatly concerned about the people that presently fill our sanctuaries for worship. Christians must pull their heads out of the sand and stop thinking that believers are exempt from AIDS. I thought of pastors and their frustrations in trying to build their congregations. The many people whom they have invited to church only to be disappointed by them never attending a single service. The present facts about AIDS dictate that if people are not informed, educated and ministry made available to them, there will be far less people around even to invite to church. We must talk about AIDS and the related issues of this disease in our churches. As well, we must serve people affected by AIDS through prayer, visitation, education and training, resulting in redemptive care for the HIV infected and empowerment of the Church, based upon a foundation of Christ's healing, compassion and discipleship.

One man dying of AIDS, in facing his own transition out of this world, expressed the same idea in different terms. "I can face death now without fear," he said, rejoicing that he had recommitted his life to Christ when he came down with AIDS. "I'm so grateful for these last four years of walking closer with God. Even if I'd repented on my deathbed, I wouldn't have had this chance to know God the way I have, to see how wonderful He really is."

This man knew his time on earth was short, but he added with confidence, "My relationship with Christ is a gift beyond measure, and I'll have it with me for all eternity. Not even AIDS can change that."

With a new year just around the corner, would you partner with me and all of us at His Way Out Ministries for the names that remain in my address book, in your address book and in a multitude of other address books? Names that would ultimately find their place in "The Lamb's Book of Life." Even AIDS can't prevent that!


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Arguments and Answers

Argument: Why are you so against homosexuality? Jesus did not say a word specifically against it?

Answer: I'm no more against homosexuality than any other sin. Whether or not Jesus specifically mentioned it doesn't matter. Homosexuality is clearly condemned in other Scriptures.

Argument: But aren't the teachings of Jesus our foundation for truth and faith?

Answer: Yes, but not exclusively. The Apostle Paul said that all Scripture is profitable for instruction in righteousness. Certainly, the teachings of Jesus are important, but they are not meant to be our only source for instruction and guidance.

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Coming Up This Month!

December 3rd - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times). If you have chosen to leave homosexuality, or you are a spouse, family member or friend of someone struggling with homosexuality, or you just want to learn about the complexities of homosexuality...this group is for you! L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am.

December 4th - First Baptist Church, Taft, CA. During the two Sunday morning services at 8:15am and 10:55am, Pastor Phillip Lee will be sharing a message titled "A Christian Response to Homosexuality."

December 10th - "Time Out"- A discipleship support group for men struggling with same-gender attraction meets from 9am to 11am.

December 22nd - 25th - His Way Out Ministries Office will be closed for the Christmas Holiday.

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How You Can Help His Way Out Ministries
  • Ask your pastor to check out this website.

  • Encourage your pastor to consider hosting a seminar or inviting His Way Out Ministries to speak at your church.

  • Ask your church to consider adding His Way Out Ministries to its missions budget.

  • Add His Way Out Ministries to your prayer list.

  • Tell your friends about His Way Out Ministries and encourage them to visit this web site.

  • Give to His Way Out Ministries, either a special one-time gift or on a monthly basis.

  • Show our teaching DVD or Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change" to your Sunday School class.

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Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"
Homosexuality and the Reality of Change presents a biblical perspective on the homosexual behavior with honesty and compassion. The 50 minute video contains information on: Can Homosexuals Really Change?, Will the Person Become Heterosexual?, How Long Does Change Take?, Exposing the Roots of Homosexuality, HIV and AIDS, Biblical and Scientific Evidence for Change, and much, much more.

This video is an excellent resource for teachers, churches, pastors, support group leaders, or anyone desiring a clear, comprehensive understanding of homosexuality.

The Good News of Jesus Christ and His love, acceptance, and forgiveness, His power to heal and restore has brought hope to many struggling with homosexuality. If you know someone struggling with same-gender attractions Homosexuality and the Reality of Change can help.

Videos are available on VHS or DVD at a cost of $20.00. To order your video...give us a call today.

We recently received, and watched, the video you sent us. It was excellent. We will be sharing it with other people at our church. One part that especially ministered to us was when Pastor Lee said from Philippians 1:6 that God is never going to give up His job of working in our life to conform us to the image of Christ. It helps makes sense of life's trials. Thank you for your ministry...Tom & Catherine

Preview "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"
2min 38sec, 1.3MB, QT.mov

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IT'S ABOUT LIFE:
Food Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
AIDS profoundly impacts one's life whether that person has been infected by it or they are a family member or a friend of someone who has. The social stigmas, fears and especially the "aloneness" associated with AIDS makes it oppressive to live with. "IT'S ABOUT LIFE" is a crucial part of His Way Out Ministries. Because His Way Out Ministries is committed to compassionately communicating God's heart through a caring Christian community, His Way Out Ministries will be a receiving house for non-perishable food items. This will assist those with AIDS to maintain a balanced diet and good nutrition. Two major considerations in food donations for folks with AIDS are speed and ease of preparation. An appetite sometimes doesn't last long and the item has to be readily accessible and speedily prepared for the patient to be able to enjoy it.

We invite churches, companies, ministries, corporations, individuals, and the entire City of Bakersfield to join with us in caring. Offer your support by donating the below listed items.

Canned tuna Canned soups
Canned ravioli Canned pasta products, e.g.Spaghettio's
Hamburger Helper Peanut butter
Hamburger Helper Peanut butter
Jams and jellies Breakfast cereals
Breakfast bars Fruit cocktail
Canned peaches Top Ramen
Cup o' Noodle soups Canned potatoes
Canned corn Macaroni and cheese mixes
Rice 'o Roni type mixes Chili beans
Tomato paste, Tomato sauce Spaghetti sauce
Potted meats Canned stews
Instant potato mixes, e.g., scalloped Instant oatmeal variety packs
Kleenex Paper towels
Toilet paper Popsicles (not frozen)
Instant breakfast drinks Spaghetti

His Way Out Ministries is located at Brimhall Road Assembly of God. Items will be distributed in cooperation with other outreaches in our community. This is a continuous, on-going ministry. For further information, please call 661-589-4262. God Bless You for your giving.

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His Way Out Ministries Services

  • Consultations
  • Family Support Group
  • Individual Prayer Ministry
  • "Time Out" Discipleship Series
  • Ministry Support Network
  • Speakers available to address Christian groups
  • "Moving On" Advanced/Closed Support Groups
  • "It's About Life" Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS

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Send a Donation to His Way Out

In your own church, and throughout this entire world, people are in need of God's clarity about their relationships and their sexuality. Participating in the work of H.W.O.M. is one way to acknowledge Christ's healing power for the sexually broken.

Through your financial support or volunteer involvement, you can add your voice to those who are speaking the truth of God with integrity.

His Way Out Ministries is a nonprofit, tax exempt Christian ministry associated with Exodus International.

You can donate using PayPal...

Or send a contribution to:
His Way Out Ministries, 10700 Brimhall Road, Bakersfield, CA 93312
(Checks should be made payable to His Way Out Ministries)

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